Red carpet

Leader project gathers 20 clubs for the future of tennis

When 20 tennis associations in eastern Skåne collaborate, it is about more than sports – it is about saving and developing local meeting places in the countryside.

In the project, the associations work together to strengthen tennis in the area. Through joint meetings, training, and exchange of experiences, they develop knowledge about everything from the maintenance of clay courts to how to share coaches, make joint purchases, and attract more members. Three of the project's four meetings have already been held. At one of the meetings, the focus was on how to properly maintain tennis courts – a craft that is crucial for the facilities to last over time.

To find new ways forward, all associations have also responded to a survey about future collaboration. The responses show a clear interest in cooperating around coaches, joint purchases, member recruitment, and youth initiatives, as well as jointly exploring various funding opportunities for the future.

Many small associations are struggling as volunteer engagement decreases. In some locations, there are only a couple of enthusiasts managing the facilities. Therefore, the project aims to find solutions that make it easier to run operations together.

The interest is great, even from the Swedish Tennis Association, which sees that many clubs in Sweden face similar challenges.

The goal is clear: more players on the courts, stronger associations, and a sustainable future for tennis in eastern Skåne.

Decision date: 2025-06-18  

Total selection criteria: 770 points

The board's justification: The board believes that the project is a good example of the leader method at its best. There is broad collaboration from the moment the idea was anchored, during the development of the project, and in its implementation. The project aims entirely at sustainability in all three dimensions: Social – maintained meeting places for social interaction, networking, and inclusion. Economic – by developing maintenance guidelines, the associations reduce their consulting costs and provide greater economic security for their own operations. Environmental – Thoughtful material choices and reuse contribute to reducing the associations' climate footprint. Thus, a prioritization of the project is given.